Matterhorn challenge to help save lives

Paul during his winter training visit in Glen Coe

Paul Main, 50, of Oakley Road, is taking on the challenge in memory of one of his squash team mates, Harry Faulkner, who passed away aged 18 from an undiagnosed heart condition.

Paul said: “Three years ago one of our team members died on court from an undiagnosed heart condition.

“I spoke with his father and he suggested that it would be a high priority to get a defibrillator to perhaps save a life at Lewsey Sports Park, on behalf of Luton and Dunstable Squash Club, where Harry often played.”

The 50-year-old will fly to Geneva on Wednesday, August 17, for four days of altitude training before he attempts the 14,692ft summit.

He said: “I am a keen climber and the Matterhorn struck me as an iconic target that was within my ability.

“My training is going well, I travelled to Scotland to do winter training and general work in the mountains.

“I have had a personal trainer at Unique Fitness Solutions and Active Luton have been very supportive as well.

“The squash community has helped me a lot with my cardio training, in particular, three times World Champion Nick Matthew who shared some of his bike fitness routines with me.

“Defibrillators are proven lifesavers and one at the club is a key objective.

“I hope to raise £1,300 for the defibrillator and any extra money raised after buying it will go to Harry’s Legacy Fund at Cardiac Risk in the Young (C-R-Y).”

C-R-Y is a charity that supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by young sudden cardiac death.

The charity also funds fast track referral, screening and cardiac pathology services at UK hospitals.

For more information and to make a donation, visit: www.mainsersmatterhorn.com.